Study Abroad

This four-week program is based at the Burren College of Art in County Clare, on the West Coast of Ireland. The Burren College of Art is located in a restored 16th c. castle near the village of Ballyvaughan, providing a unique base from which to explore the geography of County Clare. The surrounding area, known as the Burren, comprises 250 square kilometers and is one of the largest limestone karst landscapes in Europe. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay on the west and north, this wild and unforgiving topography is characterized by subterranean caverns, rugged hills, and dramatic seascapes, along with an interesting assemblage of plant and animal life.

Participants in this program will be inspired by the breathtaking beauty and complexity of the environment and how it has shaped the life and culture of the populations inhabiting it. Working hands-on, with field trips and engaging with direct observation of the area, will provide students with an incredible and unique experience.

Book arts have proven themselves to be a natural genre for the interpretation of researched information into a visual format. Students will use a variety of methods to capture and generate images and will be introduced to a variety of sustainable practices of image-making and book forms. The natural rural area of the Burren and the timing of the program offers students the opportunity to reflect on the work they are doing with extended studio time in space provided by the Burren College of Art.

Through writing, students will engage in a rich process of self-formation and deepening awareness. The HU/WR component of the course will use research and a variety of written forms to document and give meaning to the student experience. Students will look at other writers, historians, and storytellers to guide their self-directed inquiries.

Students’ on-site research and exploration will be expanded by discussions with faculty and guest artists, readings, journaling, sketching, photography and other means. An exhibition of student work will be installed prior to the start of the fall semester.

Leslie Fedorchuk has been a MIAD Professor teaching studio, humanities, and writing classes since 1994. As a practicing artist and scholar in the field of Book Arts for over 30 years, she has studied the history of the book as well as curated and exhibited in numerous book art exhibits. This will be her fifth year leading MIAD programming in Ireland.

Matthew Presutti is a print and paper artist originally from an area of rural southeastern Ohio nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The region’s rich history of social activism and the natural beauty of its forgotten landscape is the foundation for Presutti’s practice as an artist and the driving force behind his research into sustainable studio methods. He has taught a wide variety of print, book, and paper processes as a MIAD adjunct faculty member and as well as MIAD’s former Printmaking Lab Technician.

Estimated Travel/ Course Fee: $6,135
Includes 6 credits MIAD summer tuition, housing, field trips, studio access, travel health/safety insurance during program dates, scheduled transportation between Shannon airport and student housing, and some group meals. Students are responsible for necessary passports or visas. Airfare is NOT included. Roundtrip airfare is estimated at $800-$1100 and will need to be purchased sometime in March. Students are typically housed in a group cottage while on-site, with WIFI and shared kitchen and laundry facilities.

Regular Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 at 11 a.m.

Interested students must apply for the program and complete an application packet available outside of office 265B. Completed application forms must include a deposit of $800 payable to MIAD Ireland Program, a statement of interest, 2 letters of support from current MIAD faculty/staff and financial aid form (whether requesting aid or not).

Students must be in good academic and financial standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Minimum enrollment must be met for program to run. Students are encouraged to submit their application materials earlier than the regular deadline. Quality of submitted materials may also influence instructor approval. Full-time MIAD students have priority. SPACE IN PROGRAM IS LIMITED.

NEED-BASED GRANT/EARLY APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 15, 2024, 11 a.m.*

*Students interested in being considered for a Study Abroad Need-Based Grant MUST submit their complete application package by November 15, 2024 at 11 a.m.
ALSO…in the event that more students apply than there is space, students not applying for the need-based grant who submit applications by the November 15th Early Deadline MAY receive priority.

Application materials must be submitted to Jenny Krantz, Director, Academic Administration (265B) by designated deadline.
After a student’s acceptance into the program is confirmed, and signed commitment letter is received, the deposit is non-refundable.
Deposits will be returned if program is canceled for insufficient enrollment or if student is not accepted.

Financial aid is available for qualified students. Interested students should inquire at the MIAD Financial Aid office ASAP to determine individual eligibility. Students should be aware that financial aid cannot be distributed any earlier than 5-7 days before the start of the summer term, so students should plan other means to cover earlier required payments and purchases. MIAD Scholarships and Grants that students may have for fall and spring semesters cannot be applied to summer programs.

Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, no business office holds, be in good academic standing and a current full-time MIAD student to apply. Grant awards of $500 – $750 will be based on a combination of factors including need, quality of written statement of intent, with consideration of student’s cumulative GPA. If a student is awarded a MIAD need-based study abroad grant, this award will be credited to course/travel fee owed AFTER deposit. Awards are contingent upon the program receiving enough applications to run. Students must return signed acceptance/commitment letter for the program and grant award.

Payments on balance of course fee and tuition* will be due in the MIAD Student Accounts Office. Sample payment schedule based on estimated tuition/course fee noted:

December 2, 2024 – 11 a.m. (November 15, 2024 – 11 a.m. for grant consideration) – $800 Deposit MUST accompany application (non-refundable after commitment letter signed)
February 28, 2025 – $1500
April 18, 2025 – $3835 FINAL PAYMENT**

Full payment is REQUIRED before program begins.
– Payments beyond initial deposit may also be non-refundable if expenses have already been paid on participant’s behalf.
** Students who are expecting financial aid for summer semester can elect to have this applied to their final payment.

The enduring influence and timeless elegance of Paris’ artistic legacy has impacted art, design, and culture across the world for centuries. While the profound influence of Paris’ layered history becomes palpable through its monuments, churches, urban design, and museums, its contemporary legacy is reflected in its shops, galleries, design, advertising, restaurants, and other cultural experiences. From its historical roots to contemporary manifestations, students will trace the evolution of Parisian art and design, engaging with diverse artistic mediums and perspectives, including painting, sculpture, photography, furniture design, product design, interiors, landscape and urban design, architecture, and fashion – to begin to understand the innovative spirit and unique breeding ground for culture and aesthetics that has made Paris a global cultural capital.

Paris also exerts an influential role in green building practices and sustainability. This course integrates contemporary concerns in sustainability and innovation prompting students to consider how Paris’ artistic legacy intersects with present-day interests for environmental stewardship and responsible art and design practices. Through a deep dive into Parisian culture and history, students will critically assess the cultural significance of Parisian art and design, gaining insights into its lasting impact on the global artistic and design landscape while contemplating its role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Students in all majors will benefit and discover relevancy to their own art/design practice as they engage in their writing, research, and studio explorations in this course. An exhibition of student work will be installed prior to the start of the fall semester.

Dr. Chris Szczesny-Adams has taught art history at MIAD over the past 20 years. Her scholarship includes architecture, design, and art from the 19th to 21st centuries. She has previously led two MIAD study abroad programs to Paris as well as programs in Florence, Italy.

Jessica Gebhardt has a master’s degree in architecture with professional experience in adaptive reuse, sustainability, and community planning. She teaches drawing and sustainability courses in MIAD’s Interior Architecture and Design program. Jessica has extensive travel experience in Europe, including an architectural history program in Paris.

Estimated Travel/ Course Fee: $6135

Includes 6 credits MIAD summer tuition, housing, field trips, museum fees, travel health/safety insurance during program dates, and some group meals. Students are responsible for necessary passports or visas. Airfare is NOT included. Roundtrip airfare is estimated at $900-$1100 and will need to be purchased sometime in March. Students are in shared housing while on-site, with WIFI and laundry facilities.

Regular Application Deadline: December 2, 2024, 11 a.m.

Interested students must apply for the program and complete an application packet available outside of office 265B. Completed application forms must include a deposit of $800 payable to MIAD Paris Program, a statement of interest, 2 letters of support from current MIAD faculty/staff and financial aid form (whether requesting aid or not). Students must be in good academic and financial standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Minimum enrollment must be met for program to run. Students are encouraged to submit their application materials earlier than the regular deadline. Quality of submitted materials may also influence instructor approval. Full-time MIAD students have priority. SPACE IN PROGRAM IS LIMITED.

NEED-BASED GRANT/EARLY APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 15, 2024, 11 a.m.*

*Students interested in being considered for a Study Abroad Need-Based Grant MUST submit their complete application package by November 15, 2024 at 11 a.m.
ALSO…in the event that more students apply than there is space, students not applying for the need-based grant who submit applications by the November 15th Early Deadline MAY receive priority.

Application materials must be submitted to Jenny Krantz, Director, Academic Administration (265B) by designated deadline.
After a student’s acceptance into the program is confirmed, and signed commitment letter is received, the deposit is non-refundable.
Deposits will be returned if program is canceled for insufficient enrollment or if student is not accepted.

Financial aid is available for qualified students. Interested students should inquire at the MIAD Financial Aid office ASAP to determine individual eligibility. Students should be aware that financial aid cannot be distributed any earlier than 5-7 days before the start of the summer term, so students should plan other means to cover earlier required payments and purchases. MIAD Scholarships and Grants that students may have for fall and spring semesters cannot be applied to summer programs.

Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, no business office holds, be in good academic standing and a current full-time MIAD student to apply. Grant awards of $500 – $750 will be based on a combination of factors including need, quality of written statement of intent, with consideration of student’s cumulative GPA. If a student is awarded a MIAD need-based study abroad grant, this award will be credited to course/travel fee owed AFTER deposit. Awards are contingent upon the program receiving enough applications to run. Students must return signed acceptance/commitment letter for the program and grant award.

Payments on balance of course fee and tuition* will be due in the MIAD Student Accounts Office. Sample payment schedule based on estimated tuition/course fee noted:

December 2, 2024 – 11 a.m. (November 15, 2024 – 11 a.m. for grant consideration) – $800 Deposit MUST accompany application (non-refundable after commitment letter signed)
February 28, 2025 – $1500
April 18, 2025 – $3835 FINAL PAYMENT**

Full payment is REQUIRED before program begins.
– Payments beyond initial deposit may also be non-refundable if expenses have already been paid on participant’s behalf.
** Students who are expecting financial aid for summer semester can elect to have this applied to their final payment.